Research Area: Immunology
Biological Activity:
Rhein(Monorhein; NSC 38629; Rheic acid; Rheinic acid) is a constituent of rhubarb which was isolated from the fresh rhizome of Rheum coreanum Nakai. The WTK1 cells were treated by rhein of different concentrations (20, 40, 80, 120 μg/ml) and then the comet assay, in vitro micronucleus test and TK gene mutation assay were conducted simultaneously. The solvent control and positive control (mthylmethane sulfonate, MMS) groups were included in the study. Positive results were found at the concentrations of 120 μg/ml and 80 μg/ml of emodin in comet assay and tk gene mutation analysis. High dose of rhein (120 μg/ml) also showed weak mutagenicity in TK gene mutation analysis. In a study, compared with the db/db control group, the fasting glucose concentration was significantly decreased in the rhein treatment group. The first-phase insulin secretory function was impaired significantly in db/db mice, while the first-phase insulin secretory peak was obvious in the rhein treatment mice. Rhein treatment significantly improved glucose tolerance, restored the first-phase insulin secretion and protected the islets function. [1] |